Michael Vandort's 117 was one of the highlights of the final day's play at Leicester © AFP
Monday, August 6, 2007
Indians hold on to a draw
Michael Vandort's 117 was one of the highlights of the final day's play at Leicester © AFP
Sunday, August 5, 2007
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Jaffer and Gambhir help Indians to a draw
Indians v Sri Lanka A, Leicester, 3rd day
August 5, 2007
Sri Lanka A 266 and 248 for 7 dec (Vandort 117) drew with Indians 238 for 5 dec and 187 for 6 (Jaffer 55, Gambhir 53*) Scorecard
Warding off a scare before the final Test at The Oval, the Indian batsmen held on for a hard-fought draw on the final day of their tour game at Grace Road. The Sri Lankans will rue declaring a bit too late, leaving the Indians an improbable 294 to chase in 57 overs. In the end, they didn't have enough time to polish off the tail.
At 152 for 6 with 15 overs to go India were staring at a morale-shattering defeat but Gautam Gambhir's calm half-century, his second of the match, defied the Sri Lankans. Instead of withdrawing into a shell Gambhir remained positive, going for his shots when given the chance to pilot the team through to stumps. Both Rangana Herath and Dammika Prasad were causing problems but Gambhir's hour-long stand with Ramesh Powar ensured that the Indians continued their undefeated run on this tour.
Until the action-filled final hour, a couple of laidback innings brightened what threatened to be a drab day. Michael Vandort's assertive century stretched the Sri Lankans' lead to 293 before Wasim Jaffer responded in typically languid style. Vandort was the bully who waited to pounce; Jaffer, the artist who simply waved the brush. Both reeled off joyous drives, used their feet against spin and batted with an air of effortlessness. In a situation that could have led to drudgery, both injected a vital spark.
A 57-run second-wicket stand between Jaffer and Yuvraj Singh allowed the Indians to sniff an unlikely win. Yuvraj's 33 was chancy - he was dropped early and survived a big shout for caught behind - but bristled with crackling strokes on both sides of the wicket. In the eighth over, delivered by left-armer Chanaka Walegedera, he ripped fours through square leg, midwicket and cover, telegraphing his intentions of going for the victory target.
His dismissal, though, trapped lbw while trying to paddle-sweep offspinner Dilruwan Perera, set the match on course for a draw. Jaffer continued to prosper and brought up his fifty with a delicious cover-drive struck on the up. Waltzing down the track to Perera, he lofted as if enjoying a net, smacking him for a handsome six over long-off. It was all too easy until he was deceived by the left-arm spin of Herath and popped an inside edge back to the bowler. Two more quick wickets caused some flutters but Gambhir downed the shutters calmly.
Twelve wickets fell on a day when conditions were ideal for batting. Vandort, resuming on 61, dispatched the bowling to different parts, pounding straight-drives with minimum fuss. Tall and usually taking a big stride forward, he was aggressive in bursts - a string of dot balls being followed by a couple of meaty blows.
Perera, his partner this morning, fell one short of a well-deserved half-century and Malinda Warnapura capped a forgettable game with a first-ball duck, prodding unconvincingly. It was only because of Kaushal Lokuarachchi and Dammika Prasad that the Sri Lankans could boost their total. Both used agricultural methods - mowing across the line with abandon - and took on the spinners. Prasad's two sixes pushed the total to 248 before his attempt at a third saw him caught at long-off.
Despite the final-day stumble the Indians will leave Leicester upbeat, especially with their captain, Rahul Dravid, striking form with an assured half-century in the first innings. However, a couple of issues remain: one surrounding Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who didn't keep wicket for most of this game and endured two batting failures, and another involving Anil Kumble, who didn't make any sort of impact in his 20 overs. It's unlikely, though, that either will sit out at The Oval.
© Cricinfo
England retain same 12 for Oval Test
August 5, 2007
England's selectors have named an unchanged 12-man squad for the third Test against India at The Oval on Thursday. Stuart Broad, who was left out of the starting line-up at both Lord's and Trent Bridge, is again included in the squad.
There had been some newspaper speculation that the Essex allrounder, Ravi Bopara, might be added to the 12, but England have kept faith with the side that lost a fractious second Test last week, after narrowly failing to force victory on the final morning at Lord's.
"While India fully deserved their victory at Trent Bridge, there were many positive aspects to our performance," said England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney. "We were particularly pleased with the way our inexperienced bowling attack performed and they will be hoping to build on that in the final Test."
England's senior bowlers - Andrew Flintoff, Stephen Harmison and Matthew Hoggard - are on the comeback trail after their various injuries, with Flintoff featuring during Lancashire's defeat in the Twenty20 semi-final on Saturday, but the selectors chose not to consider them.
"Flintoff, Harmison and Hoggard are all making good progress in their recovery from injury,"said Graveney, "but the selectors felt it was too soon to consider them for Test cricket and we have retained the same twelve players who were on duty at Trent Bridge.
"We have been one-nil down before in Test series and come back to draw or win a series and I am sure that the players will be conscious of that and very keen to maintain our impressive record at home in Test cricket."
England squad Michael Vaughan, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Prior, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom, Andrew Strauss, Chris Tremlett
© Cricinfo
England's selectors have named an unchanged 12-man squad for the third Test against India at The Oval on Thursday. Stuart Broad, who was left out of the starting line-up at both Lord's and Trent Bridge, is again included in the squad.
There had been some newspaper speculation that the Essex allrounder, Ravi Bopara, might be added to the 12, but England have kept faith with the side that lost a fractious second Test last week, after narrowly failing to force victory on the final morning at Lord's.
"While India fully deserved their victory at Trent Bridge, there were many positive aspects to our performance," said England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney. "We were particularly pleased with the way our inexperienced bowling attack performed and they will be hoping to build on that in the final Test."
England's senior bowlers - Andrew Flintoff, Stephen Harmison and Matthew Hoggard - are on the comeback trail after their various injuries, with Flintoff featuring during Lancashire's defeat in the Twenty20 semi-final on Saturday, but the selectors chose not to consider them.
"Flintoff, Harmison and Hoggard are all making good progress in their recovery from injury,"said Graveney, "but the selectors felt it was too soon to consider them for Test cricket and we have retained the same twelve players who were on duty at Trent Bridge.
"We have been one-nil down before in Test series and come back to draw or win a series and I am sure that the players will be conscious of that and very keen to maintain our impressive record at home in Test cricket."
England squad Michael Vaughan, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Prior, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom, Andrew Strauss, Chris Tremlett
© Cricinfo
Nielsen calls for good behaviour.
August 3, 2007
Tim Nielsen, the new Australia coach, wants his team to be conscious of their behaviour and has suggested any lapses could have an impact on selection. As the side prepares for its season of regeneration - Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and John Buchanan have departed - Nielsen said the unit was no longer in a position to fall back on the performances of the greats and the next rung of players would have to "present well".
"All the little things that add up into selection will come into play," he said in the Herald Sun. "If any player doesn't present himself well and shows he is not able to handle the pressure, it's probably going to be a little bit of an issue for the selectors to look at when they pick their first Test team."
Nielsen told the paper Stuart MacGill had already been spoken to and the issue would be addressed as a group during the pre-season camp in Coolum later this month. MacGill was suspended for two weeks after an incident with an umpire in Sydney grade cricket last summer and was upset to have suffered a knee injury during the pre-Ashes boot camp.
"I know [Stuart] is aware of the little issues that may be there," Nielsen said. "He is now perceived as the senior spinner in Australia and his Test record is outstanding.
"But the biggest challenge for him ... is to show being the senior spinner is not just about the most wickets, it's about leading and presenting himself well and assisting the younger players coming through." MacGill is part of the Australia A tour to Pakistan next month and will have the dual duties of bowling himself into form and guiding Cullen Bailey, Dan Cullen and Cameron White.
Australia face a busy schedule starting with the Twenty20 World Championship in September and Nielsen said the players had to look outside their results and consider their behaviour. "If you want to be seen as the best, it's not just about winning and losing," he told the paper. "The whole kit and caboodle goes with it.
"It's a balancing act of understanding the situation. As the leading team in the world, we don't get as much leeway as other teams get in that area. We need to be really conscious of it."
© Cricinfo
Tim Nielsen, the new Australia coach, wants his team to be conscious of their behaviour and has suggested any lapses could have an impact on selection. As the side prepares for its season of regeneration - Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and John Buchanan have departed - Nielsen said the unit was no longer in a position to fall back on the performances of the greats and the next rung of players would have to "present well".
"All the little things that add up into selection will come into play," he said in the Herald Sun. "If any player doesn't present himself well and shows he is not able to handle the pressure, it's probably going to be a little bit of an issue for the selectors to look at when they pick their first Test team."
Nielsen told the paper Stuart MacGill had already been spoken to and the issue would be addressed as a group during the pre-season camp in Coolum later this month. MacGill was suspended for two weeks after an incident with an umpire in Sydney grade cricket last summer and was upset to have suffered a knee injury during the pre-Ashes boot camp.
"I know [Stuart] is aware of the little issues that may be there," Nielsen said. "He is now perceived as the senior spinner in Australia and his Test record is outstanding.
"But the biggest challenge for him ... is to show being the senior spinner is not just about the most wickets, it's about leading and presenting himself well and assisting the younger players coming through." MacGill is part of the Australia A tour to Pakistan next month and will have the dual duties of bowling himself into form and guiding Cullen Bailey, Dan Cullen and Cameron White.
Australia face a busy schedule starting with the Twenty20 World Championship in September and Nielsen said the players had to look outside their results and consider their behaviour. "If you want to be seen as the best, it's not just about winning and losing," he told the paper. "The whole kit and caboodle goes with it.
"It's a balancing act of understanding the situation. As the leading team in the world, we don't get as much leeway as other teams get in that area. We need to be really conscious of it."
© Cricinfo
England v India, 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, 5th day
July 31, 2007
After all the excellent work done over the last four days, India needed only to complete the formalities on the final morning but they were made to work hard to polish off the remaining 63 runs. Led by a fiery spell from Chris Tremlett, England fought with plenty of heart, and India needed 21 overs before finally completing a seven-wicket victory, their fifth Test win in England and the first at Trent Bridge, to go 1-0 in the series.
Wasim Jaffer and Dinesh Karthik resumed the Indian innings at 10 for 0, and motored to 47 fairly comfortably. Karthik played a couple of handsome backfoot punches square on the off side, while Jaffer played his trademark effortless flicks. Both played and missed a few times off Ryan Sidebottom, but a ten-wicket win was on the cards when Tremlett struck - not once, but three times. England's only hope of gaining some brownie points was to take a few top-order wickets before the Oval Test, and Tremlett did that, nailing both openers with short balls that bounced more than the batsmen expected - Jaffer top-edged a pull to gully while Karthik nicked a beauty which bounced and seamed away.
Buoyed by those successes, Tremlett and James Anderson let rip at India's two most experienced batsmen. Both bowlers liberally dished out short-pitched deliveries, and then mixed it with pitched-up, awayswingers. Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid played and missed a few times, before Tendulkar pushed at a short one off his hips straight to Alastair Cook at leg gully, who had been cleverly stationed for that stroke.
Dravid, though, patiently swayed out of the way of every short ball that came his way, and with a target of 73, victory was only a matter of time. The winning runs came when Anderson bowled an inswinger which beat Sourav Ganguly and Matt Prior, and raced down for four byes.
The victory means India have now won at least one Test in ten of their last 12 tours, but have only won two of those series against a team other than Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. With the last Test at The Oval - a venue which has traditionally produced belters - India have an excellent opportunity to go on and get that rare overseas series victory. England, on the other hand, haven't lost a series at home since the 2001 Ashes, which sets up the last game of this series quite splendidly.
© Cricinfo
After all the excellent work done over the last four days, India needed only to complete the formalities on the final morning but they were made to work hard to polish off the remaining 63 runs. Led by a fiery spell from Chris Tremlett, England fought with plenty of heart, and India needed 21 overs before finally completing a seven-wicket victory, their fifth Test win in England and the first at Trent Bridge, to go 1-0 in the series.
Wasim Jaffer and Dinesh Karthik resumed the Indian innings at 10 for 0, and motored to 47 fairly comfortably. Karthik played a couple of handsome backfoot punches square on the off side, while Jaffer played his trademark effortless flicks. Both played and missed a few times off Ryan Sidebottom, but a ten-wicket win was on the cards when Tremlett struck - not once, but three times. England's only hope of gaining some brownie points was to take a few top-order wickets before the Oval Test, and Tremlett did that, nailing both openers with short balls that bounced more than the batsmen expected - Jaffer top-edged a pull to gully while Karthik nicked a beauty which bounced and seamed away.
Buoyed by those successes, Tremlett and James Anderson let rip at India's two most experienced batsmen. Both bowlers liberally dished out short-pitched deliveries, and then mixed it with pitched-up, awayswingers. Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid played and missed a few times, before Tendulkar pushed at a short one off his hips straight to Alastair Cook at leg gully, who had been cleverly stationed for that stroke.
Dravid, though, patiently swayed out of the way of every short ball that came his way, and with a target of 73, victory was only a matter of time. The winning runs came when Anderson bowled an inswinger which beat Sourav Ganguly and Matt Prior, and raced down for four byes.
The victory means India have now won at least one Test in ten of their last 12 tours, but have only won two of those series against a team other than Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. With the last Test at The Oval - a venue which has traditionally produced belters - India have an excellent opportunity to go on and get that rare overseas series victory. England, on the other hand, haven't lost a series at home since the 2001 Ashes, which sets up the last game of this series quite splendidly.
© Cricinfo
ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 officially launched.
July 26, 2007
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) officially launched the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007, at the Northgate Dome in Johannesburg today.
The launch marked the official countdown, showcasing the new ICC World T20 identity in an exciting exhibition of activations in line with the local 20 over sportainment themes.
The 13 day, 12 nation event starts at the Wanderers, Johannesburg on Tuesday, 11 September 2007 with the first match between hosts, South Africa and the West Indies. The final will be held at the same venue on Heritage Day*, Monday, 24 September 2007.
CSA President Norman Arendse said: "It is indeed an honour for Cricket South Africa to host the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, making history in doing so.
"The ICC has shown its confidence in South Africa's ability to host world class events after the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
"The fact that the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup will also be held in South Africa shows the international community's faith in South Africa hosting major sporting events.
"It is however sad to note that whilst the T20 was awarded to South Africa when Percy Sonn was President of the ICC, we have since witnessed his passing with great sadness. The ICC World T20 South Africa will be dedicated to his memory.
"The tournament will be played in three venues around the country, the Wanderers, Johannesburg; Kingsmead, Durban and Newlands, Cape Town.
ICC President Ray Mali said: "I am looking forward to the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 with a mix of pride and excitement.
"Pride because it is taking place in my home country of South Africa and I know we will do a great job of hosting the event and showcasing the game in the best possible light.
"And excitement because the event marks a first for cricket - the first time this format of the game will have been played on a truly global scale.
"I have long been an advocate of Twenty20 cricket because during my time as President of Cricket South Africa I saw the positive effect it had on the game - there were packed grounds and it brought a new audience to our sport.
"Now, with the top international teams coming together at three excellent venues in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban I hope South Africa will once again get behind this form of the game and make this an outstanding and memorable event."
The shorter form of the game has caught the imagination of many cricket spectators and new fans to the sport.
ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said: "ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 represents one of the most exciting developments in the game of cricket within the past 30 years.
"It will bring many of the best international players from around the world together for a short, sharp event we believe will capture the public's imagination both in South Africa and around the world.
"The tournament will be showcased by ESPN STAR Sports and it will be a great chance for our new broadcast partner to showcase its ability by providing innovative and high-quality coverage.
"ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 is the first of 18 ICC events spread over eight years that will see the game taken all over the world while, at the same time, providing players and fans alike with variety and excitement.
"The spread of events and the revenue they generate will help to continue cricket's growth and ensure that our strong sport continues to grow even stronger."
Preparations are at an advanced stage at all three venues around South Africa. Inspection visits and feedback from all involved, show that everything possible had been done to make sure the tournament is a success.
Steve Elworthy, Tournament Director of the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 said: "We are in the final implementation stages and preparations are progressing extremely well.
"Expectations of this event are ever increasing and the public are responding. The launch was fantastic and if this is what we are to expect for the duration of the tournament, then everybody who experiences a match, on TV or at the stadium will be truly entertained,"
Heritage Day, September 24, is a Public Holiday on which South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions.
© ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) officially launched the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007, at the Northgate Dome in Johannesburg today.
The launch marked the official countdown, showcasing the new ICC World T20 identity in an exciting exhibition of activations in line with the local 20 over sportainment themes.
The 13 day, 12 nation event starts at the Wanderers, Johannesburg on Tuesday, 11 September 2007 with the first match between hosts, South Africa and the West Indies. The final will be held at the same venue on Heritage Day*, Monday, 24 September 2007.
CSA President Norman Arendse said: "It is indeed an honour for Cricket South Africa to host the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, making history in doing so.
"The ICC has shown its confidence in South Africa's ability to host world class events after the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
"The fact that the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup will also be held in South Africa shows the international community's faith in South Africa hosting major sporting events.
"It is however sad to note that whilst the T20 was awarded to South Africa when Percy Sonn was President of the ICC, we have since witnessed his passing with great sadness. The ICC World T20 South Africa will be dedicated to his memory.
"The tournament will be played in three venues around the country, the Wanderers, Johannesburg; Kingsmead, Durban and Newlands, Cape Town.
ICC President Ray Mali said: "I am looking forward to the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 with a mix of pride and excitement.
"Pride because it is taking place in my home country of South Africa and I know we will do a great job of hosting the event and showcasing the game in the best possible light.
"And excitement because the event marks a first for cricket - the first time this format of the game will have been played on a truly global scale.
"I have long been an advocate of Twenty20 cricket because during my time as President of Cricket South Africa I saw the positive effect it had on the game - there were packed grounds and it brought a new audience to our sport.
"Now, with the top international teams coming together at three excellent venues in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban I hope South Africa will once again get behind this form of the game and make this an outstanding and memorable event."
The shorter form of the game has caught the imagination of many cricket spectators and new fans to the sport.
ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said: "ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 represents one of the most exciting developments in the game of cricket within the past 30 years.
"It will bring many of the best international players from around the world together for a short, sharp event we believe will capture the public's imagination both in South Africa and around the world.
"The tournament will be showcased by ESPN STAR Sports and it will be a great chance for our new broadcast partner to showcase its ability by providing innovative and high-quality coverage.
"ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 is the first of 18 ICC events spread over eight years that will see the game taken all over the world while, at the same time, providing players and fans alike with variety and excitement.
"The spread of events and the revenue they generate will help to continue cricket's growth and ensure that our strong sport continues to grow even stronger."
Preparations are at an advanced stage at all three venues around South Africa. Inspection visits and feedback from all involved, show that everything possible had been done to make sure the tournament is a success.
Steve Elworthy, Tournament Director of the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 said: "We are in the final implementation stages and preparations are progressing extremely well.
"Expectations of this event are ever increasing and the public are responding. The launch was fantastic and if this is what we are to expect for the duration of the tournament, then everybody who experiences a match, on TV or at the stadium will be truly entertained,"
Heritage Day, September 24, is a Public Holiday on which South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions.
© ICC
